Annual Plenum Award for the Fight for Democracy and Human Rights Presented to the Free University of Novi Sad
The Annual Plenum Award for the Fight for Democracy and Human Rights has been presented this year to the Free University of Novi Sad, which, in a year marked by student uprisings and deep social turmoil, demonstrated what academic courage looks like. While institutions were captured, this network of professors, teachers, and researchers stood by the students, defending the integrity of knowledge and the right to freedom of thought.
The Academy for the Development of Democracy (ADD), the Centre for Civic Education (CGO) in Podgorica, the Faculty of Political Sciences of the University of Sarajevo (FPN), and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES), as the organizers of the regional plenary, award this recognition to initiatives and communities whose work makes an exceptional contribution to the defense and advancement of democracy and human rights in the Western Balkans.
Founded only a year ago, the Free University of Novi Sad has become a symbol of academic integrity and solidarity, civic courage, and resistance to an undemocratic regime. Their work shows how professional integrity and social responsibility can be lived and defended even under political pressure.
“Of particular importance to us is that this award goes to Novi Sad – a city that, even under the weight of great tragedy, has shown the strength to carry the torch of resistance and hope. Montenegro was, even during the Milošević regime, a refuge for those fighting for freedom in Serbia. Today, when the government in Montenegro supports the autocrat who has extinguished pluralism in Serbia, we want to send a clear message: civic Montenegro stands with free people, with those who refuse to surrender to fear but turn it into strength, and strongly supports the free-thinking citizens of neighboring Serbia,” emphasized Daliborka Uljarević, Executive Director of CGO, while presenting the award on behalf of the organizers.
On behalf of the Free University, the award was accepted by Professors Nataša Milićević, Ljubica Oparnica, and Vanja Manić Matić.
“We see this award as recognition for the entire rebellious and free academic community in Serbia, and we dedicate it to our comrades – all disobedient citizens of Serbia. Serbia is not the only country where university autonomy has been undermined, but it is the country where the effort to subjugate the university has grown into brutal and blatant repression. As long as the authorities view students as enemies, we will continue to demonstrate that the movement exists and that our position is clear: one resistance, one university,” stated Nataša Milićević.
“After thousands of our students began their unique and extremely difficult struggle for justice and accountability, it was our duty to support them and initiate the fight for a free university. Many battles have begun and are ongoing. The consequences are institutional and administrative pressures. The struggle for basic autonomy, for labor and human rights protections of the academic community and society, is difficult,” Milićević said, adding that the Free University of Novi Sad has also recently filed a historic lawsuit against the Ministry of Interior for violating the spatial autonomy of the university, infringing upon personal rights, and violating the labour rights of employees at the University of Novi Sad.
“With this recognition, the Plenum reaffirms its commitment to supporting those who defend the space of freedom, dialogue, critical thinking, and democracy — values that are more endangered today than ever, yet continue to endure thanks to brave individuals and communities such as the Free University,” the award statement concludes.
Podgorica, 14. novembar 2025.
